Neil Austin Nelson

Neil Austin Nelson 3/29/1939 " 8/1/2013 A memorial service was held Sunday, August 4th, to celebrate the life of Neil Austin Nelson. Neil passed away peacefully in his home August 1, 2013, surrounded by his loved ones, after a yearlong battle with a very aggressive cancer. Neil was born March 29, 1939, in Lake Charles to William Austin (Buster) Nelson and Dorothy Anita Drost Nelson. He grew up in Lake Charles but he also spent a great deal of time on his grandpa Maurice Drosts farm in Carlyss. On the farm he learned the ins and outs of farming. Falling in love with the farm life he chose to be a rice farmer and cattle rancher in adulthood. After leaving Sulphur High School he joined the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington and then served in the Merchant Marines. He has served on the Board Of Commissioners Of The Gravity Draining District No. 5 Calcasieu Parish for eighteen years and as its president for the past several years. He enjoyed this work and his co-commissioners very much. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Alice Macdonald Nelson; children, Terry Nelson Kershaw and fiance Tommy Lamb, John Stuart Nelson and wife Patsy, Douglas Alan Nelson, and David Neil Nelson; grandchild, Julie Kershaw Vincent and husband Jared Vincent; great-grandchildren, Jayden Abel Vincent and Jaycee Alivia Vincent; one brother, James Ernest Nelson and wife, Sue; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald Wayne Nelson and William Howard Nelson, and son-in-law, Joseph Martin Kershaw. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Also thanks to Dr. Kim, Dr. Ross and the wonderful staff at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston; Dr. Mohammed Khan and staff in Lake Charles; Christus St. Patrick Hospice staff " special thanks to Keisha, Elaine, Leah, and Dr. Geoffery Britt ThD, BCC.